At around 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Country Club Road near the intersection of Wedge Lane in Poinciana. The two vehicles involved were a black 2010 Acura MDX being driven by 30-year-old Keishly Malave of Kissimmee, and a white 2009 Nissan Altima being driven by 44-year-old Luis Valentin of Kissimmee.
According to witness statements and evidence at the scene, Mr. Valentin was traveling north on Country Club Road. Ms. Malave, also travelling north on Country Club Road, approached the Altima at a high rate of speed and attempted to illegally pass Mr. Valentin. This roadway has a double yellow center line to indicate a no passing zone.
Ms. Malave attempted to reenter the northbound lane to avoid colliding with oncoming southbound traffic and clipped the left front of Mr. Valentin’s vehicle. Upon impact, Ms. Malave’s Acura travelled onto the east shoulder sidewalk and struck a concrete light pole.
Ms. Malave died at the scene.
Mr. Valentin was uninjured.
The roadway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
